Medical suction and irrigation device handpiece

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a medical device with a handpiece that provides enhanced comfort of use, maneuverability, and for a variety of hand-held options to the user. Embodiments of the invention include handpieces that include a grip panel comprised of a friction-enhancing material to facilitate gripping of the handpiece by an operator. In addition, embodiments of the invention include handpieces having a generally symmetrical configuration in order to facilitate grasping by an operator&#39;s left or right hand.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/720,933, filed Sep. 27, 2005, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e). The entiredisclosure of that provisional application is incorporated by referenceherein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to medical devices, such as, forexample, medical devices that provide suction and irrigation during amedical procedure. More particularly, embodiments of the inventionrelate to hand-held medical devices having features that enhance themaneuverability and/or the comfort of use by an operator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wide variety of hand-held medical devices are known in the medicalfield. Certain devices, such as surgical suction and irrigation devices,are intended for relatively long-term hand-held usage. The ease of use,maneuverability, and comfort of use for such devices to the user,therefore, becomes an important consideration in their design. Forexample, some medical procedures can be relatively lengthy, requiringprolonged handling of certain standard medical devices. Often anoperator may have a need to grasp a device alternatively with both theright or left hand. Similarly, an operator may have a need to grasp adevice alternatively in positions where the user's hand is oriented indifferent configurations relative to the handle.

The construction of such devices, therefore, both in terms of itsoperation as well as the ergonomics of their handling, can have asubstantial effect on the successful performance of a medical procedureand its results. Prolonged handling of uncomfortable medical devices canimpact the level of precision an operator employs during a medicalprocedure. As a result, the design and ergonomics of a medical devicecan have a significant impact on the underlying safety and effectivenessof a medical procedure. Accordingly, there is a need in the medicalfield, particularly the surgical field, for hand-held devices (e.g.,suction-irrigation devices) having features that provide enhancedcomfort of use, maneuverability, provide a variety of hand-held optionsto the user, and which still contain the desired performance andoperational structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to improved hand-heldmedical devices, and related methods of use that obviate one or more ofthe limitations and disadvantages of the prior art medical devices. Oneembodiment of the invention is directed to a handpiece for a medicaldevice, comprising an attachment structure along a front end of thehandpiece configured for removably coupling to a medical instrument anda housing. The housing comprises a top surface defining at least onehole for receiving at least one button for controlling a function of themedical device, a bottom base, and an extension portion connected to thebase and extending downwardly therefrom. The extension portion includesa shoulder connected to the base by a narrowed neck portion and whereinthe base, the shoulder, and the narrowed neck portion define a concaveshaped surface capable of receiving an operator's finger.

In various embodiments, the handpiece may include one or more of thefollowing additional features: wherein the housing includes a rearprotrusion located along a rear portion of the shoulder; wherein therear protrusion includes wire retention structure extending upwardlyfrom a top surface of the rear protrusion; wherein the wire retentionstructure comprises prongs configured to releasably engage a wire;wherein an exterior surface of the handpiece has a substantiallysymmetrical configuration relative to an imaginary plane that bisectsthe handpiece through the middle of the top surface, such that thehandpiece accommodates an operator's grip in the same manner regardlessof whether an operator grasps the handpiece in a right hand or a lefthand; wherein a front portion of the handpiece includes indentationslocated above the base on left and right sides of the handpiece; furthercomprising a medical instrument, and wherein a proximal portion of themedical instrument includes a rotatable element configured to controlthe angular orientation of the medical instrument, the rotatable elementpositioned to permit rotation by a finger of an operator's handpositioned proximate an indentation; wherein the rotatable elementcomprises a rotatable collar including a plurality of fingertip tabsextending radially away from the collar; wherein a portion of anexterior surface of the housing includes a grip panel extending along aleft side, a right side, and a back end of the housing, the grip panelbeing comprised of a material having a greater friction-enhancingproperty than a material of a portion of the housing adjacent the grippanel; wherein a rear portion of the housing is configured toaccommodate suction and irrigation tubing; wherein the at least onebutton comprises a suction control button and an irrigation controlbutton; wherein the at least one button comprises an electrocauteryactuation button; wherein the suction control button, the irrigationcontrol button, and the electrocautery actuation button are locatedalong substantially the same linear path along the top surface of thehousing; wherein the suction and irrigation control buttons are locatedalong a first linear path, and wherein the electrocautery actuationbutton includes two buttons located along a second linear pathsubstantially perpendicular to the first linear path along the topsurface of the housing; wherein the width of the housing decreasestoward a proximal end of the housing; and wherein the shoulder has anunderside surface having a generally concave shaped, curved surface.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a handpiece for amedical device, comprising an attachment structure along a front end ofthe handpiece configured for removably coupling to a medical instrumentand a housing. The housing comprises a top surface defining at least onehole for receiving at least one button for controlling a function of themedical device and a grip panel extending along a left side, a rightside, and a back end of the housing. The grip panel is comprised of amaterial having a greater friction-enhancing property than a material ofa portion of the housing adjacent the grip panel. An exterior surface ofthe handpiece exhibits a substantially symmetrical configurationrelative to an imaginary plane that bisects the handpiece through themiddle of the top surface, such that the handpiece accommodates anoperator's grip in the same manner regardless of whether an operatorgrasps the handpiece in a right hand or a left hand.

In various embodiments, the handpiece may include one or more of thefollowing additional features: a bottom base and an extension portionconnected to the base and extending downwardly therefrom, the extensionportion including a shoulder connected to the base by a narrowed neckportion and wherein the base, the shoulder, and the narrowed neckportion define a concave shaped surface capable of receiving anoperator's finger; wherein the handpiece includes a rear protrusionlocated along a rear portion of the shoulder; wherein the rearprotrusion includes wire retention structure extending upwardly from atop surface of the rear protrusion; wherein the wire retention structurecomprises prongs configured to releasably engage a wire; wherein a frontportion of the handpiece includes indentations located above the base onleft and right sides of the handpiece; further comprising a medicalinstrument, and wherein a proximal portion of the medical instrumentincludes a rotatable element configured to control the angularorientation of the medical instrument, the rotatable element positionedto permit rotation by a finger of an operator's hand positionedproximate an indentation; wherein the rotatable element comprises arotatable collar including a plurality of fingertip tabs extendingradially away from the collar; wherein a rear portion of the housing isconfigured to accommodate suction and irrigation tubing; wherein the atleast one button comprises a suction control button and an irrigationcontrol button; wherein the at least one button comprises anelectrocautery actuation button; wherein the suction control button, theirrigation control button, and the electrocautery actuation button arelocated along substantially the same linear path along the top surfaceof the housing; wherein the suction and irrigation control buttons arelocated along a first linear path, and wherein the electrocauteryactuation button includes two buttons located along a second linear pathsubstantially perpendicular to the first linear path along the topsurface of the housing; wherein the width of the housing decreasestoward a proximal end of the housing; and wherein the shoulder has anunderside surface having a generally concave shaped, curved surface.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method foroperating a medical device to perform a medical procedure, comprisingproviding a medical device comprising a medical instrument connected toa front end of a handpiece, the handpiece including an attachmentstructure along a front end thereof configured for removably coupling tothe medical instrument. The handpiece further comprises a housing havinga top surface defining at least one hole for receiving at least onebutton for controlling a function of the medical device, a bottom base,and an extension portion connected to the base and extending downwardlytherefrom, the extension portion including a shoulder connected to thebase by a narrowed neck portion. The base, the shoulder, and thenarrowed neck portion define a concave shaped surface capable ofreceiving an operator's finger. The method further comprising graspingthe handpiece with one of a left hand or a right hand such that theoperator's thumb rests over the control button, and an operator's fingerrests on the concave shaped surface, and wherein the handpiece iscapable of being grasped by the left hand or the right hand in the samemanner. The method further comprises positioning the medical instrumentand actuating the control button to perform a medical procedure.

In various embodiments, the method may include one or more of thefollowing additional features: wherein actuating the control buttoncomprises one of supplying suction or irrigation to the medicalinstrument; wherein actuating the control button comprises providingelectric current to the medical instrument; and wherein a proximalportion of the medical instrument includes a rotatable elementconfigured to control the angular orientation of the medical instrument,the method further comprising rotating the rotatable element with afinger of the same hand used to grasp the handpiece in order to changethe angular orientation of the medical instrument relative to thehandpiece.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method foroperating a medical device to perform a medical procedure, comprisingproviding a medical device comprising a medical instrument connected toa front end of a handpiece and a handpiece including an attachmentstructure along a front end thereof configured for removably coupling tothe medical instrument. The handpiece further comprises a housingincluding a top surface defining at least one hole for receiving atleast one button for controlling a function of the medical device, agrip panel extending along a left side, a right side, and a back end ofthe housing, the grip panel being comprised of a material having agreater friction-enhancing property than a material of a portion of thehousing adjacent the grip panel. An exterior surface of the handpieceexhibits a substantially symmetrical configuration relative to animaginary plane that bisects the handpiece through the middle of the topsurface. The method further comprises grasping the handpiece with one ofa left hand or a right hand such that the operator's thumb rests overthe control button, and an operator's finger rests on the concave shapedsurface, the handpiece capable of being grasped by the left hand or theright hand in the same manner. The method further comprises positioningthe medical instrument and actuating the control button to perform amedical procedure.

In various embodiments, the method may include one or more of thefollowing additional features: wherein the handpiece includes a base andan extension portion connected to the base and including a shoulderhaving an underside surface having a generally concave shaped, curvedsurface, and wherein grasping the handpiece comprises receiving theconcave shaped, curved surface of the shoulder within an operator's palmwithin a valley between an operator's thumb and index finger; whereinactuating the control button comprises one of supplying suction orirrigation to the medical instrument; wherein actuating the controlbutton comprises providing electric current to the medical instrument;and wherein a proximal portion of the medical instrument includes arotatable element configured to control the angular orientation of themedical instrument, the method further comprising rotating the rotatableelement with a finger of the same hand used to grasp the handpiece inorder to change the angular orientation of the medical instrumentrelative to the handpiece.

Another embodiment of the invention is a handpiece for a medical deviceincluding a right half and a left half configured to be coupled togetherto form a housing. An exterior surface of the right half is asubstantially mirror image of an exterior surface of the left half, theright half and the left half when coupled together defining a first holein the top surface of the housing for receiving a button of thehandpiece, a second hole in a back end of the housing for receiving atube, and a third hole in a front end of the housing for receiving amedical instrument.

In various embodiments, the handpiece may include one or more of thefollowing additional features: a bottom base and an extension portionconnected to the base and extending downwardly therefrom, the extensionportion including a shoulder connected to the base by a narrowed neckportion and wherein the base, the shoulder, and the narrowed neckportion define a concave shaped surface capable of receiving anoperator's finger; the housing further comprising a grip panel extendingalong a left side, a right side, and the back end of the housing, thegrip panel being comprised of a material having a greater afriction-enhancing property than a material of a portion of the housingadjacent the grip panel; and wherein the handpiece accommodates anoperator's grip in the same manner regardless of whether an operatorgrasps the handpiece in a right hand or a left hand.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method foroperating a medical device to perform a medical procedure, comprisingproviding a medical device comprising a medical instrument. Thehandpiece includes a right half and a left half configured to be coupledtogether to form a housing, an exterior surface of the right half beinga substantially mirror image of an exterior surface of the left half,the right half and the left half when coupled together defining a firsthole in a top surface of the housing for receiving a button of thehandpiece, a second hole in a back end of the housing for receiving atube, and a third hole in a front end of the housing for receiving themedical instrument. The method further comprises grasping the handpiecewith one of a left hand or a right hand, the handpiece capable of beinggrasped by the left hand or the right hand in the same manner,positioning the medical instrument, and actuating the control button toperform a medical procedure.

In various embodiments, the method may include one or more of thefollowing additional features: wherein the handpiece includes a base andan extension portion connected to the base and including a shoulderhaving an underside surface having a generally concave shaped, curvedsurface, and wherein grasping the handpiece comprises receiving theconcave shaped, curved surface of the shoulder within an operator's palmwithin a valley between an operator's thumb and index finger; whereinactuating the control button comprises one of supplying suction orirrigation to the medical instrument; and wherein actuating the controlbutton comprises providing electric current to the medical instrument.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inpart in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theobjects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained bymeans of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of theinvention and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an angled side view of a medical device handpiece having aninstrument connected at a front end thereof, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an angled side view of a medical device handpiece having aninstrument spaced from a front end thereof, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a disassembled view of a medical device handpiece and aninstrument, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an angled side view of a medical device handpiece housing,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an bottom view of a medical device handpiece housing,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an angled side view of a medical device handpiece having aninstrument connected a front end thereof, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the handpiece housing of the medical devicehandpiece of FIG. 6, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 is an angled side view of a medical device handpiece having aninstrument connected a front end thereof, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the handpiece housing of the medical devicehandpiece of FIG. 8, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 10 is an angled side view of a medical device handpiece having aninstrument connected a front end thereof, according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11A illustrates an operator grasping a medical device handpiecewith a left hand, according to one orientation.

FIG. 11B illustrates an operator grasping a medical device handpiecewith a left hand, according to another orientation.

FIG. 11C illustrates an operator grasping a medical device handpiecewith a left hand, according to another orientation.

FIG. 11D illustrates an operator grasping a medical device handpiecewith a left hand, according to another orientation.

FIG. 12A illustrates an operator grasping a medical device handpiecewith a right hand, according to one orientation.

FIG. 12B illustrates an operator grasping a medical device handpiecewith a right hand, according to another orientation.

FIG. 12C illustrates an operator grasping a medical device handpiecewith a right hand, according to another orientation

FIG. 12D illustrates an operator grasping a medical device handpiecewith a right hand, according to another orientation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the present exemplaryembodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughoutthe drawings to refer to the same or like parts. For purposes of thisdisclosure, “distal” refers to the end further from the device operatorduring use and “proximal” refers to the end closer to the deviceoperator during use.

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a medical device, according tothe invention, includes a handpiece 10 onto which a medical instrument20 (shown as a probe), can be removably coupled or uncoupled (see FIG.2), and into which tubing 30 (e.g., suction and irrigation tubing) canbe attached. While medical instrument 20 is depicted as a probe (oralternatively as an electrosurgical probe), instrument 20 may comprise abasket, a grasper, a snare, any other retrieval or grasping mechanism, atissue cutting instrument, any electrocautery device, a forceps, or anyother mechanism for performing an operation in a body that may besuitable for a medical diagnostic or treatment procedure.

In this disclosure, handpiece 10 is primarily described as a handpiecefor use in a medical suction and irrigation device. The device 10 mayconnect a source of irrigation fluid, such as a saline bag (not shown).The irrigation fluid may be supplied to the handpiece through tubing 30via a pump unit (not shown). The pump unit may include, for example, amotor, impeller, power source, and other conventional parts known in theart. The device 10 may also connect to a source of suction, such as aconventional vacuum source available in a hospital room setting. Suctionwould be supplied through tubing 30. Device 10 further may connect to asource of electric current via wires 53, for supplying electrocautery toa patient. It is to be understood, however, that some or all of theaspects of the handpiece 10 could be used with other types of medicaldevices.

The handpiece 10 is defined by a housing 11 that includes a front end12, a back end 13, a first (right) half 17, and a second (left) half 19(see FIGS. 3-4). The housing 11 of handpiece 10 further includes a topsurface 16 circumscribed by the first and second halves 17, 19 and thefront and back ends 12, 13. A lower portion of the handpiece 10 includesa base 100 circumscribed by the first and second halves 17, 19 as wellas the front and back ends 12, 13.

As seen in FIG. 1, the front end 12 of the housing 11 extends to aninstrument attachment structure 200 within housing 11 for removablycoupling a medical instrument 20 thereon. In the illustrated example,the attachment structure comprises an internal threaded elementconfigured for mating with external threads along a proximal portion ofmedical instrument 20. Such a coupling arrangement is exemplary, andother coupling structure is contemplated for structure 200. Alternativeexamples of attachment structure 200 include, but are not limited to,adhesives, pin and grooved channel mating structures, friction fitengagement structures, and releasable resilient male/female matingstructures.

In the illustrated embodiment, the handpiece 10 of the medical deviceincludes the additional components of a suction control button 41 and anirrigation control button 42. The top surface of control buttons 41 and42 may each include a concave depression 43 for facilitating receptionof an operator's fingertips for actuation thereof. The control buttons41 and 42 may have certain characteristics to visually distinguish onebutton from the other. For example, as seen in FIG. 1, suction controlbutton 41 may have a knurled pattern 44 along an exterior side surface,whereas irrigation control button 42 has a smooth exterior side surface.Other distinguishing characteristics are contemplated, such as adifference in color, for example. In addition, the handpiece 10 ofmedical device may include additional operative mechanisms such aselectrical control buttons 51 and 52 for operative coupling toelectrical wiring 53, to permit connection to an additional power source(not shown), for example.

In one embodiment, wiring 53 may connect to a source of electric currentand buttons 51 and 52 are actuated to selectively supply current tomedical instrument 20. The supply of current may be used to assist incutting and/or cauterizing tissue. The suction and irrigation controlbuttons 41, 42 (and electric control buttons 51 and 52, when included)may be located within holes 54 and 55 defined by the top surface 16. Inthe embodiment of handpiece 10 depicted in FIG. 1, the control buttons41, 42, 51, and 52 are all provided along substantially the samelongitudinal path along the top surface 16. In this location, thecontrol buttons will be accessible for actuation by an operator'sfingertips, or alternatively by an operator's thumb, depending on theoperator's grasping orientation, as will be described in more detailbelow.

As seen at least FIGS. 1-4, the handpiece 10 contains an inward arcuateindented portion 60 a in a region located between the front end 12 andthe first (right) half 17 of housing 11. Similarly (as seen in FIG. 4,for example), the handpiece 10 contains an inward arcuate indentedportion 60 b in a region located between the front end 12 and the second(left) half 19. Along the back portion of the handpiece 10, a contiguousoutward arcuate curve 70 may be provided in a region defined by thefirst and second halves 17, 19 and the back end 13 of the housing 11. Asseen in FIGS. 1 and 4, adjacent the back end 13 on both right half 17,and left half 19, the handpiece 10 includes arcuate curved protrusions80 a and 80 b. Protrusions 80 a and 80 b define a hole that accommodatestubing 30 within the housing 11.

As will be described in more detail below, the handpiece 10 may furtherinclude a contiguous grip panel 400 located along the first and secondhalf 17, 19 and the back end 13 of the housing 11. Alternatively, a grippanel may only cover certain portions of either side of the housing 11(e.g. only one side), and not the back end 13. The color of panel 400may differ from the color of the remainder of housing 11. The grip panel400 is composed of a friction-enhancing material to facilitate grippingof the handpiece 10 by an operator, thereby affording greater accuracyand precision in the maneuvering and manipulating the medical device.Exemplary materials for the grip panel 400 include, but are not limitedto, thermoplastic elastomeric materials (TPEs), rubber materials, andpolymers.

As seen in FIG. 1, a lower portion of handpiece 10 includes a base 100located below the indented portions 60 a, 60 b and the grip panel 400.The base 100 comprises a lower portion of the handpiece 10 and exhibitsan inwardly directed curve on each half 17, 19 such that the thicknessof the handpiece 10 decreases in a downward direction as compared to athickness of the handpiece along the grip panel 400, for example. Thebase 100 is circumscribed by first and second halves 17, 19 andincluding the front and back ends 12 and 13.

As seen in FIG. 1, the base 100 of the handpiece housing 11 is connectedto, or continues downwardly to form, an extension portion 101. Theextension portion 101 includes a shoulder portion 102 connected to theremainder of the housing 11 by an inwardly curved, narrow neck portion103. As seen in FIG. 1, the shoulder portion 102 extends below the neckportion 103 and comprises a generally oblong shape. The shoulder portion102 includes a front protrusion 106 and a rear protrusion 108. As willbe described in more detail below with regard to FIG. 5, the shoulderportion 102 has an underside surface 104 (see FIG. 5) having a curvealong its longitudinal axis 6 (alpha). As will be described, theshoulder portion 102 and curve 6 afford additional gripping options tothe user for the handpiece 10.

The rear protrusion 108 extends from the rear end of the narrowed neckportion 103 and, in one example, includes at least two features foraccommodating wiring 53 associated with handpiece 10. For example, asseen in FIG. 1, when electrical features are included in the medicaldevice, preferably the back end of handpiece 10 further comprisesstructure for accommodating electrical wire or wires. In the illustratedembodiment, the accommodating structure includes both an entrance port90 leading into the handpiece housing 11, as well as a wire retentionstructure 91 extending upwardly from the surface of the rear protrusion108. The wire retention structure 91 may comprise left and right prongsthat extend upwardly from the surface of the rear protrusion 108 toreleasably engage opposite sides of wire 53 (e.g., by virtue of aninterference fit). Whereas tubing will typically be rigid enough tosubstantially maintain a predetermined configuration in proximity to thehandpiece 10, wiring (such as wiring 53) may be more flexible. The wireretention structure 91 provides the benefit of controlling displacementand migration of the wire 53 during operation of the device.

As seen in FIG. 1, the front protrusion 106 extends from the front endof the narrowed neck portion 103. The front protrusion 106 extendsdistally from the narrowed neck portion by a distance less than thedistance rear protrusion 108 itself extends proximally from the narrowedneck portion 103. In one embodiment, the front protrusion 106 extendsfrom the narrowed neck portion 103 so as to form a concave shapedtrigger surface 110 along with a front portion of the narrowed neckportion 103 as well as an underside of a front portion of the base 100.

As will be described in more detail below with regard to FIGS. 11A-11Band 12A-12B, the concave surface 110 provides an engagement surfaceparticularly suited for receiving the palm side an operator's finger, orfingers. Accordingly, the concave shaped trigger surface 110 provides aforce reaction surface configured to receive a palm side of at least oneof an operator's fingers. As a result, during use, an operator cancomfortably and stably grasp the handpiece 10 between at least onefinger along a front surface of the handpiece 10 and the base of theoperator's palm along a rear surface of the handpiece 10. As analternative arrangement, it is contemplated that a tip of the protrusion106 be connected to an underside of a front portion of the base 100,thereby forming an aperture for receipt of an operator's fingers.

FIG. 2 shows an angled side view of a medical device having aninstrument spaced from a front end 12 of the handpiece 10. As notedabove, the front end 12 of the handpiece 10 accommodates an instrumentattachment structure 200 for removably coupling a medical instrument 20thereon. As seen in FIGS. 1-3, and with particular reference to FIG. 2,the medical instrument 20 may include a probe hub assembly 500structured to removably engage the probe attachment structure 200 on thehandpiece 10. Upon engagement of the medical instrument 20 to thehandpiece 10, manipulation of handpiece 10 in turn results in controlledoperation of medical instrument 20. For example, operation of buttons51, 52 may cause electric current to be supplied to the tip ofinstrument 20. As further examples, operation of buttons 41, 42 mayrespectively cause suction to be applied through instrument 20 and asupply of irrigation fluid through instrument 20. When using a probe hubassembly 500 that is structured to permit rotation about thelongitudinal axis β (beta) of the medical instrument 20 located on thedistal end, the probe hub assembly 500 can comprise a rotatable collar501 positioned to permit rotation by a finger of the hand wherein thehandpiece is held by one hand (as shown in FIGS. 11B and 12B).

FIG. 2 also depicts an embodiment wherein the rotatable collar 501comprises a plurality of fingertip tabs 502 to further facilitate therotation of the instrument 20. Finger tabs 502 may comprise relativelyflat projections extending radially outward from the base of therotatable collar 501. In the illustrated embodiment, there are threeequally spaced tabs 502. Three tabs is only exemplary, and more or fewertabs may be incorporated in assembly 500. Finger tabs 502 extendradially from collar 501 in order to be manipulated by an operator'sfinger to effectuate rotation of the instrument 20.

In one embodiment, the medical instrument 20 comprises an electrocauteryprobe having an end effector forming a hook 503 configured to manipulatetissue and provide electrocautery to control patient bleeding duringsurgery, for example. After grasping the handpiece 10, an operator cancontrol the angular orientation of the hook 503 relative to thelongitudinal axis β (beta) of the medical instrument 20 with the fingersof the same hand use to grasp handpiece 10. Manipulation of thefingertip tabs 502 via an operator's fingers is further facilitated dueto the clearance space provided by virtue of the inward arcuate indentedportions 60 a and 60 b provided along the first and second halves 17, 19of housing 11. Providing the indented portion 60 a and 60 b on bothhalves 17, 19 of the handpiece allows manipulation of the fingertip tabs502 alternatively with fingers of an operator's left hand or right hand.

Referring to FIG. 3, a disassembled view of a medical device isdepicted. More particularly, FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of theinternal and external structure of a medical suction and irrigationdevice. In FIG. 3, the first (right) half 17 is separated from thesecond (left) half 19. The first and second halves 17 and 19 may each beformed through a molding process such that they are configured toreceive the internal components therebetween. During manufacture andassembly, the first and second halves 17, 19 may enclose the internaldevice components upon a mating engagement therebetween. For example,the interior of the first half 17 may include male pin matingprotrusions configured for receipt within female pin apertures formed onthe interior of the second half 19.

As seen in FIG. 3, the internal components of the handpiece 10 mayinclude the internal electric wiring 53, a manifold assembly 600,irrigation and suction valve piston housing chambers 601 and 602respectively, and an conducting platform 604 for providing atransmission path for an electric circuit from wiring 53 to the controlbuttons 51 and 52. The manifold assembly 600 includes structure forrouting suction and irrigation flow-paths in a predeterminedconfiguration to a distal end of the handpiece where the pathwaysconnect to an appropriate conduit within a distal medical instrument. Asillustrated, each housing half may include internal structure, such aspreformed protrusions 606 defining separate chambers within the insideof each housing half, for receiving a particular component of themanifold assembly 600 and/or the wiring structure 53. For example, thesecond half 19 may include a protrusion 606 having a portion defining asemicircle configuration 608 for snugly receiving the exterior portionof the suction piston housing chamber 602. Similarly, the pattern ofprotrusions may be particularly provided to accommodate the path ofwiring 53 within the handpiece housing 11.

As seen in FIGS. 1-3, the configuration of the exterior surface of thehandpiece 10 exhibits a substantially symmetrical configuration relativeto an imaginary plane that bisects the handpiece 10 through the topsurface 16. As such, the handpiece 10 will conform in the same mannerregardless of whether an operator grasps the handle in the right hand orthe left hand. In addition, in at least one embodiment, the first andsecond halves 17, 19 of the handpiece housing 11 are configured to becoupled together. In one embodiment, the exterior surface of the righthalf 17 is substantially a mirror image of the exterior surface of theleft half 19, the right half 17 and left half 19 when coupled togetherdefine holes for receiving the control buttons 41, 42, the tubing 30,wiring 53, and attachment structure 200.

Exemplary mechanical and electrical internal components of the medicaldevice are described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. ______filed on ______, (the same date as the present application) (AttorneyDocket Number 09482.0024-00000), the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference. Engagement of the first and second halves 17,19 may be effectuated by virtue of a snap fit arrangement, the use ofsuitable medical grade adhesive, or any other suitable alternativemechanical engagement. Non limiting examples of materials suitable forforming the handpiece housing 11 include, but are not limited toacrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer(SAN), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), and polystyrene(PS).

FIG. 4 shows an angled side view of the housing of a medical devicehandpiece. Handpiece housing 11 illustrated in FIG. 4 is identical tothe handpiece housing 11 depicted in FIGS. 1-3. In FIG. 4, however, thehandpiece is depicted without the control buttons 41, 42, 51, and 52 andvarious internal and external components. FIG. 4 illustrates a firstimaginary line 71 across the width along the top portion 16 of thehandpiece housing 11. FIG. 4 also depicts a second imaginary line 72across the width along a top portion 16 of the handpiece housing. Asseen, the first line 71 is located along the top surface 16 adjacent tothe front end 12 between the first and second halves 17 and 19 and justproximal of the inward arcuate indentations 60 a and 60 b. The secondline 72 is located adjacent to the back end 13 of the housing 11 andjust distal of the outward arcuate curve 70. In the illustratedembodiment, the width of the housing 11 depicted along line 71 isgreater than the width of the housing depicted along line 72 (see alsoFIG. 7). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the width of the handpiecehousing 11 decreases toward a proximal end of the handpiece housing 11.

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of the housing 11 of a medical devicehandpiece 10 of FIGS. 1-4. As described above, the shoulder portion 102has an underside surface 104 having a generally concave shaped, curvedsurface along its longitudinal axis a (alpha). The shoulder portion 102and concave curved shape of surface 104 afford additional grippingoptions to the user for the handpiece 10. As will be described in moredetail below with regard to FIGS. 11C-11D and 12C-12D, the concave,curved surface 104 provides an engagement surface particularly suitedfor receipt within an operator's palm within the valley between anoperator's thumb and index finger. In such a grasping position, anoperator manipulates the control buttons with any of the fingertipswhile grasping opposite sides of the gripping panel 400 between thethumb and a portion of the same hand where the operator's palm meets thebase of the fingers.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is depicted an angled side view of a medicaldevice having an instrument connected to a front end of the handpiece.FIG. 6 is similar to the configuration of FIG. 1, with the exceptionthat the medical instrument 20, tubing 30, and wiring 53 are alldepicted in broken lines. FIG. 4, like FIG. 1, depicts an embodimentwhere control buttons 41, 42, 51, and 52 are all located along the samelinear path along the top surface 16.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is depicted a top view of the handpiece ofthe medical device of FIG. 6. Just as in FIG. 4, FIG. 7 depicts lines 71and 72, illustrating that the width of the handpiece housing 11decreases toward a proximal end thereof.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is depicted an angled side view of a medicaldevice having an instrument connected to a front end of the handpiece.FIG. 8 is similar to the configuration of FIG. 1, with the exceptionthat the medical instrument 20, tubing 30, and wiring 53 are alldepicted in broken lines. FIG. 8, unlike FIG. 1, also depicts anembodiment where control buttons 41 and 42 are located along the samelinear path along the top surface 16, while control buttons 51 and 52are located along a linear path perpendicular to the linear path ofcontrol buttons 41 and 42.

Referring to FIG. 9, there is depicted a top view of the handpiece ofthe medical device of FIG. 8. Just as in FIG. 4, FIG. 9 depicts lines 71and 72 illustrating that the width of the handpiece housing 11 decreasestoward a proximal end thereof. Additionally, FIG. 9 depicts the locationof control buttons 51 and 52 perpendicular to the linear path of controlbuttons 41 and 42.

Referring to FIG. 10, there is depicted an angled side view of a medicaldevice having an instrument connected to a front end of the handpiece.FIG. 10 is similar to the configuration of FIG. 8. FIG. 10, unlike FIG.8, does not incorporate a gripping panel 400.

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate an operator gripping a medical device handpiecein different orientations using the left hand. In the configurations ofFIGS. 11A-11B, the operator grasps the handpiece 10 such that theoperator's forearm is aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinalaxis longitudinal axis β (beta) of the medical instrument 20.Conversely, in FIGS. 11C-11D, the operator grasps the handpiece 10 suchthat the operator's forearm is aligned substantially perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis β (beta) of the medical instrument 20.

For example, FIG. 11A is a side view of a medical device according tothe present disclosure with the handpiece held in the left hand. Asillustrated, the operator's left thumb rests over the control buttons onthe top surface. At the same time, the operator's left index fingerrests on the concave shaped trigger surface 110 along the neck portion103 above the shoulder 102, while the operator's middle finger restsbelow the concave shaped underside surface 104 of the shoulder portion102. In this gripping configuration, an operator can comfortablygenerate a grasping force with the index finger against the concaveshaped surface 110 to compress the handpiece 10 comfortably between theindex finger and the base of the operator's palm below the thumb.

FIG. 11B depicts a side view of a medical device in an alternative lefthand gripping configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the operator'sleft thumb rests over the control buttons on the top surface. At thesame time, the operator's left middle finger rests on the concave shapedtrigger surface 110 along the neck portion 103 above the shoulder 102,while the operator's ring finger rests below the concave shapedunderside surface 104 of the shoulder portion 102. In this grippingconfiguration, an operator's index finger is free to manipulate a baseof a medical instrument such as fingertip tabs 502, as described above.Manipulation of the instrument via the index finger is furtherfacilitated due to the clearance space provided by virtue of the inwardarcuate indented portions 60 a and 60 b provided along the first andsecond halves 17, 19 of housing 11. Similar to the configuration of FIG.11A, in FIG. 11B an operator can comfortably generate a grasping forcewith the middle finger against the concave shaped surface 110 tocompress the handpiece 10 comfortably between the middle finger and thebase of the operator's palm below the thumb.

FIGS. 11C and 11D depict a side view of a medical device in anotheralternative left hand gripping configuration. As illustrated in FIGS.11C-11D, the handpiece 10 is grasped in the operator's left hand withthe concave, curved surface 104 providing an engagement surface receivedwithin the operator's palm. More particularly, the curved surface 104 isreceived within the valley between the operator's thumb and indexfinger. In such a grasping position, an operator manipulates the controlbuttons with any of the fingertips while grasping opposite sides of thegripping panel 400 between the thumb and a portion of the same handwhere the operator's palm meets the base of the fingers. Accordingly, inthe position of FIGS. 11C-11D, the operator's grip is enhanced due tothe increased friction generated by virtue of contact between (1) theoperator's thumb and the portion of gripping panel 400 along the first(right) half 17 of handpiece 10 and (2) the operator's palm and theportion of gripping panel 400 along the second (left) half 19.

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate an operator gripping a medical device handpiecein different orientations using the right hand. The grippingconfigurations of FIGS. 12A-12D are similar in all respects to theconfigurations of FIGS. 11A-11D, respectively, except the configurationsof FIGS. 12A-12D depict manipulation of the handpiece 10 with anoperator's right hand. As explained above, the configuration of theexterior surface of the handpiece 10 can be provided to exhibit asubstantially symmetrical configuration relative to an imaginary planethat bisects the handpiece 10, through the top surface 16. As such, thehandpiece 10 will conform to an operator's grip in the same mannerregardless of whether an operator grasps the handle in the right hand orthe left hand.

The invention has been described with reference to various and specificembodiments and techniques. It will be understood, however, thatreasonable modifications and variations are possible withoutsubstantially departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, additional grasping orientations, in addition to thoseexpressly described above, are contemplated. Accordingly, the abovedescribed orientations are not intended to represent an exclusive listof potential gripping configurations.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims.

1. A handpiece for a medical device, comprising: an attachment structurealong a front end of the handpiece configured for removably coupling toa medical instrument; and a housing comprising: a top surface definingat least one hole for receiving at least one button for controlling afunction of the medical device; a bottom base; and an extension portionconnected to the base and extending downwardly therefrom, the extensionportion including a shoulder connected to the base by a narrowed neckportion; wherein the base, the shoulder, and the narrowed neck portiondefine a concave shaped surface capable of receiving an operator'sfinger.
 2. The handpiece of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a rearprotrusion located along a rear portion of the shoulder.
 3. Thehandpiece of claim 2, wherein the rear protrusion includes wireretention structure extending upwardly from a top surface of the rearprotrusion.
 4. The handpiece of claim 3, wherein the wire retentionstructure comprises prongs configured to releasably engage a wire. 5.The handpiece of claim 1, wherein an exterior surface of the handpiecehas a substantially symmetrical configuration relative to an imaginaryplane that bisects the handpiece through the middle of the top surface,such that the handpiece accommodates an operator's grip in the samemanner regardless of whether an operator grasps the handpiece in a righthand or a left hand.
 6. The handpiece of claim 1, wherein a frontportion of the handpiece includes indentations located above the base onleft and right sides of the handpiece.
 7. The handpiece of claim 6,further comprising a medical instrument, and wherein a proximal portionof the medical instrument includes a rotatable element configured tocontrol the angular orientation of the medical instrument, the rotatableelement positioned to permit rotation by a finger of an operator's handpositioned proximate an indentation.
 8. The handpiece of claim 7,wherein the rotatable element comprises a rotatable collar including aplurality of fingertip tabs extending radially away from the collar. 9.The handpiece of claim 1, wherein a portion of an exterior surface ofthe housing includes a grip panel extending along a portion of a leftside, a right side, or a back end of the housing, the grip panel beingcomprised of a material having a greater friction-enhancing propertythan a material of a portion of the housing adjacent the grip panel. 10.The handpiece of claim 1, wherein a rear portion of the housing isconfigured to accommodate suction and irrigation tubing.
 11. Thehandpiece of claim 10, wherein the at least one button comprises asuction control button and an irrigation control button.
 12. Thehandpiece of claim 11, wherein the at least one button comprises anelectrocautery actuation button.
 13. The handpiece of claim 12, whereinthe suction control button, the irrigation control button, and theelectrocautery actuation button are located along substantially the samelinear path along the top surface of the housing.
 14. The handpiece ofclaim 12, wherein the suction and irrigation control buttons are locatedalong a first linear path, and wherein the electrocautery actuationbutton includes two buttons located along a second linear pathsubstantially perpendicular to the first linear path along the topsurface of the housing.
 15. The handpiece of claim 1, wherein the widthof the housing decreases toward a proximal end of the housing.
 16. Thehandpiece of claim 1, wherein the shoulder has an underside surfacehaving a generally concave shaped, curved surface.
 17. A handpiece for amedical device, comprising: an attachment structure along a front end ofthe handpiece configured for removably coupling to a medical instrument;and a housing comprising: a top surface defining at least one hole forreceiving at least one button for controlling a function of the medicaldevice; and a grip panel extending along a left side, a right side, or aback end of the housing, the grip panel being comprised of a materialhaving a greater friction-enhancing property than a material of aportion of the housing adjacent the grip panel; wherein an exteriorsurface of the handpiece exhibits a substantially symmetricalconfiguration relative to an imaginary plane that bisects the handpiecethrough the middle of the top surface, such that the handpieceaccommodates an operator's grip in the same manner regardless of whetheran operator grasps the handpiece in a right hand or a left hand.
 18. Thehandpiece of claim 17, the handpiece further comprising: a bottom base;and an extension portion connected to the base and extending downwardlytherefrom, the extension portion including a shoulder connected to thebase by a narrowed neck portion; wherein the base, the shoulder, and thenarrowed neck portion define a concave shaped surface capable ofreceiving an operator's finger.
 19. The handpiece of claim 18, whereinthe handpiece includes a rear protrusion located along a rear portion ofthe shoulder.
 20. The handpiece device of claim 19, wherein the rearprotrusion includes wire retention structure extending upwardly from atop surface of the rear protrusion.
 21. The handpiece of claim 20,wherein the wire retention structure comprises prongs configured toreleasably engage a wire.
 22. The handpiece of claim 17, wherein a frontportion of the handpiece includes indentations located above the base onleft and right sides of the handpiece.
 23. The handpiece of claim 22,further comprising a medical instrument, and wherein a proximal portionof the medical instrument includes a rotatable element configured tocontrol the angular orientation of the medical instrument, the rotatableelement positioned to permit rotation by a finger of an operator's handpositioned proximate an indentation.
 24. The handpiece of claim 23,wherein the rotatable element comprises a rotatable collar including aplurality of fingertip tabs extending radially away from the collar. 25.The handpiece of claim 17, wherein a rear portion of the housing isconfigured to accommodate suction and irrigation tubing.
 26. Thehandpiece of claim 25, wherein the at least one button comprises asuction control button and an irrigation control button.
 27. Thehandpiece of claim 26, wherein the at least one button comprises anelectrocautery actuation button.
 28. The handpiece of claim 27, whereinthe suction control button, the irrigation control button, and theelectrocautery actuation button are located along substantially the samelinear path along the top surface of the housing.
 29. The handpiece ofclaim 27, wherein the suction and irrigation control buttons are locatedalong a first linear path, and wherein the electrocautery actuationbutton includes two buttons located along a second linear pathsubstantially perpendicular to the first linear path along the topsurface of the housing.
 30. The handpiece of claim 17, wherein the widthof the housing decreases toward a proximal end of the housing.
 31. Thehandpiece of claim 18, wherein the shoulder has an underside surfacehaving a generally concave shaped, curved surface.
 32. A method foroperating a medical device to perform a medical procedure, comprising:providing a medical device comprising: a medical instrument connected toa front end of a handpiece; a handpiece including an attachmentstructure along a front end thereof configured for removably coupling tothe medical instrument; the handpiece further comprising a housingcomprising: a top surface defining at least one hole for receiving atleast one button for controlling a function of the medical device; abottom base; and an extension portion connected to the base andextending downwardly therefrom, the extension portion including ashoulder connected to the base by a narrowed neck portion; wherein thebase, the shoulder, and the narrowed neck portion define a concaveshaped surface capable of receiving an operator's finger; grasping thehandpiece with one of a left hand or a right hand such that theoperator's thumb rests over the control button, and an operator's fingerrests on the concave shaped surface, the handpiece capable of beinggrasped by the left hand or the right hand in the same manner;positioning the medical instrument; and actuating the control button toperform a medical procedure.
 33. The method of claim 32, whereinactuating the control button comprises one of supplying suction orirrigation to the medical instrument.
 34. The method of claim 32,wherein actuating the control button comprises providing electriccurrent to the medical instrument.
 35. The method of claim 32, wherein aproximal portion of the medical instrument includes a rotatable elementconfigured to control the angular orientation of the medical instrument,the method further comprising rotating the rotatable element with afinger of the same hand used to grasp the handpiece in order to changethe angular orientation of the medical instrument relative to thehandpiece.
 36. A method for operating a medical device to perform amedical procedure, comprising: providing a medical device comprising: amedical instrument connected to a front end of a handpiece; a handpieceincluding an attachment structure along a front end thereof configuredfor removably coupling to the medical instrument; the handpiece furthercomprising a housing comprising: a top surface defining at least onehole for receiving at least one button for controlling a function of themedical device; and a grip panel extending along a portion of a leftside, a right side, or a back end of the housing, the grip panel beingcomprised of a material having a greater friction-enhancing propertythan a material of a portion of the housing adjacent the grip panel;wherein an exterior surface of the handpiece exhibits a substantiallysymmetrical configuration relative to an imaginary plane that bisectsthe handpiece through the middle of the top surface; grasping thehandpiece with one of a left hand or a right hand such that theoperator's thumb rests over the control button, and an operator's fingerrests on the concave shaped surface, the handpiece capable of beinggrasped by the left hand or the right hand in the same manner;positioning the medical instrument; and actuating the control button toperform a medical procedure.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein thehandpiece includes a base and an extension portion connected to the baseand including a shoulder having an underside surface having a generallyconcave shaped, curved surface, and wherein grasping the handpiececomprises receiving the concave shaped, curved surface of the shoulderwithin an operator's palm within a valley between an operator's thumband index finger.
 38. The method of claim 36, wherein actuating thecontrol button comprises one of supplying suction or irrigation to themedical instrument.
 39. The method of claim 36, wherein actuating thecontrol button comprises providing electric current to the medicalinstrument.
 40. The method of claim 36, wherein a proximal portion ofthe medical instrument includes a rotatable element configured tocontrol the angular orientation of the medical instrument, the methodfurther comprising rotating the rotatable element with a finger of thesame hand used to grasp the handpiece in order to change the angularorientation of the medical instrument relative to the handpiece.
 41. Ahandpiece for a medical device, comprising: a right half and a left halfconfigured to be coupled together to form a housing, an exterior surfaceof the right half being a substantially mirror image of an exteriorsurface of the left half, the right half and the left half when coupledtogether defining a first hole in the top surface of the housing forreceiving a button of the handpiece, a second hole in a back end of thehousing for receiving a tube, and a third hole in a front end of thehousing for receiving a medical instrument.
 42. The handpiece of claim41, the housing further comprising: a bottom base; and an extensionportion connected to the base and extending downwardly therefrom, theextension portion including a shoulder connected to the base by anarrowed neck portion; wherein the base, the shoulder, and the narrowedneck portion define a concave shaped surface capable of receiving anoperator's finger.
 43. The handpiece of claim 41, the housing furthercomprising: a grip panel extending along a portion of a left side, aright side, or a back end of the housing, the grip panel being comprisedof a material having a greater a friction-enhancing property than amaterial of a portion of the housing adjacent the grip panel.
 44. Thehandpiece of claim 43, wherein the handpiece accommodates an operator'sgrip in the same manner regardless of whether an operator grasps thehandpiece in a right hand or a left hand.
 45. A method for operating amedical device to perform a medical procedure, comprising: providing amedical device comprising: a medical instrument connected to a front endof a handpiece; the handpiece including a right half and a left halfconfigured to be coupled together to form a housing, an exterior surfaceof the right half being a substantially mirror image of an exteriorsurface of the left half, the right half and the left half when coupledtogether defining a first hole in a top surface of the housing forreceiving a button of the handpiece, a second hole in a back end of thehousing for receiving a tube, and a third hole in a front end of thehousing for receiving the medical instrument; grasping the handpiecewith one of a left hand or a right hand, the handpiece capable of beinggrasped by the left hand or the right hand in the same manner;positioning the medical instrument; and actuating the control button toperform a medical procedure.
 46. The method of claim 45, wherein thehandpiece includes a base and an extension portion connected to the baseand including a shoulder having an underside surface having a generallyconcave shaped, curved surface, and wherein grasping the handpiececomprises receiving the concave shaped, curved surface of the shoulderwithin an operator's palm within a valley between an operator's thumband index finger.
 47. The method of claim 45, wherein actuating thecontrol button comprises one of supplying suction or irrigation to themedical instrument.
 48. The method of claim 45, wherein actuating thecontrol button comprises providing electric current to the medicalinstrument.